Kentucky Coffeetree, a Wisconsin native tree, may be an ugly duckling in youth, but it matures into a graceful swan. Bluish-green leaves give a lacy appearance in summer casting light shade while flaking bark and bold branching add winter interest. Female trees produce 5-10” long thick brown leathery pods that persist through winter, extending the season of interest.

Striped Maple cannot be mistaken for any other maple with its green-white vertical stripes that decorate young branches. Small, bright yellow flowers bloom in May/June, hanging in large, elegantly drooping clusters. This Wisconsin native tree thrives in cool, moist, slightly acidic soil, preferably in full shade, and makes a great understory tree alongside sugar maple, basswood, black maple, oak, and shagbark hickory.